Taxpayers do not want Home Depot
We get tons of comments on this blog, but I think this one comment from a previous post, says it all, in the clearest way possible . . . and I quote:
"The person who wants to know if Shell Lumber is afraid of competition needs to stop sniffing glue and look at the facts. Shell Lumber has nothing to do with Grovites not wanting a trash dump in the middle of the highest tax base in the city.
Grovites SUPPORT this city and if they don't want a warehouse in the middle of a residential neighborhood the city should respect that request. The commission was given 13,000 signatures of people who opposed H/D in Coconut Grove. HELLO!
H/D will employ a hundred people in there who probably don't even live in the district and most likely don't vote. It's time the Commissioners stopped serving big business, developers and other flash-in-the-pan Johnny-come-lately's and listened to the residents who pay their salaries, vote and support this city. Marc Sarnoff is standing by his community which is more than I can say for Linda Haskins who is accepting campaign contributions, parties and who knows what else from Home Depot and their lawyers.
Does she really think the residents of District 2 are so brain dead that they actually believe she's not going to vote for Home Depot if she's elected. And as for Frank Rollason, the fire tax was instituted during his watch. Now he's telling the voters he's going to get them a full refund. I'm wondering how he's going to do that when 7 of his cronies have already stolen it. The last thing we need on the commission is someone previously employed in government. And we sure as hell don't need a Home Depot in the heart of the tax district that supports this city. "
Editor's note: Yes, this is a NIMBY attitude, but when the Grove is the neighborhood that supports Miami, the Grove should have a say what goes in its neighborhood. There is an industrial area across US1, that is zoned for this type of project.
"The person who wants to know if Shell Lumber is afraid of competition needs to stop sniffing glue and look at the facts. Shell Lumber has nothing to do with Grovites not wanting a trash dump in the middle of the highest tax base in the city.
Grovites SUPPORT this city and if they don't want a warehouse in the middle of a residential neighborhood the city should respect that request. The commission was given 13,000 signatures of people who opposed H/D in Coconut Grove. HELLO!
H/D will employ a hundred people in there who probably don't even live in the district and most likely don't vote. It's time the Commissioners stopped serving big business, developers and other flash-in-the-pan Johnny-come-lately's and listened to the residents who pay their salaries, vote and support this city. Marc Sarnoff is standing by his community which is more than I can say for Linda Haskins who is accepting campaign contributions, parties and who knows what else from Home Depot and their lawyers.
Does she really think the residents of District 2 are so brain dead that they actually believe she's not going to vote for Home Depot if she's elected. And as for Frank Rollason, the fire tax was instituted during his watch. Now he's telling the voters he's going to get them a full refund. I'm wondering how he's going to do that when 7 of his cronies have already stolen it. The last thing we need on the commission is someone previously employed in government. And we sure as hell don't need a Home Depot in the heart of the tax district that supports this city. "
Editor's note: Yes, this is a NIMBY attitude, but when the Grove is the neighborhood that supports Miami, the Grove should have a say what goes in its neighborhood. There is an industrial area across US1, that is zoned for this type of project.
posted by Tom Falco at 8:16 AM
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50 Comments:
I agree, so why doesn't the city support us in the Grove?
-Bill Anderson
If you think Shell Lumber ISN'T funding everything that's been done to try to stop Home Depot you're wrong.
They've paid for everything Grove First has ever done including flyers, signs and everything else.
Anonymous writers, tell us your names. Let's hear more positive input instead of anger towards each other.
As for those who are trying to help our community, it's the same old result: No good deed shall go unpunished.
If you think Shell Lumber is funding the fight against HD you need to come to a Grovefirst meeting. That simply is NOT true.
Coral Gables and South Miami residents said no and their city supported them. So why can't the City of Miami do that for Coconut Grove?
It's that arrogant sense of entitlement and expectation of privilege (“when the Grove is the neighborhood that supports Miami, the Grove should have a say what goes in its neighborhood”)that makes everyone else in the City hate Grovites! No one likes a whiner! This is why we get ignored by the City. They can't stand to listen to us.
Oh that's such a crock. Taxation without representation has been going on since the birth of this country. Putting a Home Depot right smack at the "gateway" to the Grove is just plain wrong and you know it. I can think of thousands of reasons to build a Home Depot where it doesn't belong and they are all in the bank.
When I first came to South Florida in the '70s I was a student at the University of Miami and I didn't live in the Grove, but I loved it so much I opened my bank account at the Coconut Grove Bank just so I would have to drive to the beautiful Grove and see the bay. I don't live in Coconut Grove but I still love it even though it's changed dramatically. Putting in a Home Depot is exactly the kind of thing that has changed the Grove only it's much worse. It makes me ill just to think about it. Yuck.
I agree about the sense of entitlement. Too bad nobody thought of standing up when the original developers at grove gate decided to put that trashy big-box store there, whatever it was.
I think that all of the people who support HD are the same people that will experience intense fits of road rage when the intersection of Bird and US1 backs traffic up for 2 miles.
I still say we all support Milams by buying up all their eggs and throwing them at the new HD site. Nothing satisfies community frustration like defacing property with a good egging.
What sense of entitlement.... Just because a mistake was made in the past does not mean it should be made again. I live next to the site, and I am not crazy about a large Home Depot type store coming in, it's that simple, would you? It's a C-1 issue, if it is not allowed, then, that's it.
I am sorry, this whole issue is a no-brainer, the store has shown the community how it treats residents (e.g. 8th Street). Why would anyone support this store? A true scaled down urban store would work, but that has never been truley proposed or discussed.
I think standing up for an issue is being confused with entitlement. An elected body is not listening to electorate, that's the issue. So the electorate, organize, and try to get heard. It's that simple, freedom of speech and freedom to assemble. Just as the opposition can do the same. So as far as I am concerned, these rights are "entitlements".
-Bill Anderson
Is everyone here so juiced with arrogance and self-righteousness you can't hear yourselves? The other poster that mentioned the "sense of entitlement" had it right. Many posters here sound like religious zealots. You really need to come back to earth and try to understand why other people are so repelled by you. You really sound like you think you deserve better than anyone else. (I am not referring to "vtanders" He/she makes some sense)
In response to the person who wrote: "You really need to come back to earth and try to understand why other people are so repelled by you."
I really don't give a flying "F" what anybody thinks. I don't want to live with a Home Depot and it is my right to tell the politicians that my tax dollars pay how I feel. I could not care less who thinks I am a zealot or anything else. Just give me what I want which is to live in a clean and comfortable communitity that is free from code violations. Is that too much to ask? In the City of Miami it appears it is. Unlike others I am not willing to stand by and watch the Grove desecrated and do nothing. There is no way a Home Depot can operate in that location like a Hardware Store and they have already proven that they are liars and can't work with neighbors or the City. I think we owe it to ourselves to do everything we can to keep Home Depot out.
Applause & kudos to whoever wrote the blog.
In the past 2 years -- I have run into 2 people who don't know what all the 'hub bub' is about Home Depot (other than the -- ahem - objective politicians).
One was a taxi driver who lived in the Gables and was tired of driving all the way to Pinecrest to go to Home Depot. He refused to go to the one on 8th Street. He said it was too nasty.
The other was a man I met on line at CVS on Grand. He said he was a Grove resident and he had no problem with Home Depot coming to the Grove. When I asked the area of the Grove he lived in, he replied Grove Isle. When I pointed out that Grove Isle is hardly an area where drive through traffic of 18 wheelers is a problem -- he didn't see where that was relevant. I did.
And I LOVE this line:
"developers and other flash-in-the-pan Johnny-come-lately's "...
considering that it was a 'Johnny' that started all of this by hiding it from his voters -- and then not quite telling the truth to his voters.
Oh well -- he's not a problem anymore:-)))
It's not that Coconut Grove feels more entitled than any other neighborhood. Simply if 13,000 of 16,000 people who live in a neighborhood sign a petition saying they don't want something in their neighborhood, the people who make the ultimate decision should listen. Is this not what a democracy is about?
The 8th Street residents would have doubtless said they didn't want a HD if they had known what a blight it would be on their neighborhood.
As for standing up against the shopping center when it was rezoned in the late 60's. As usual the city was pulling one of its dirty little tricks. Done quickly behind the scenes. Probably like the 8th Street store.
As for Coconut Grove getting special consideration because its taxes support the city. That doesn't happen. But you'd think the city would be intelligent enough to realize you don't defecate where you eat.
You could get 13,000 Grovites to sign petitions demanding free lattes and banning strange-looking foreigners from living there. Doesn't mean much in the real world!!
the blogger who wrote a very thoughtful piece a few weeks back focusing on the loss of our only Grove market, Milams (whether you like it or not) becoming potentially the most damaging loss to many REAL Coconut Grove residents who rely on it, seems to have had her sound logic lost in the tirades I read above. A friend recently helped an elderly woman by giving her a lift to her home in a rainstorm as she attempted to trudge through the parking lot and cross US1. Where I wonder is she supposed to shop when our grocery store is gone?
The Grove doesn't look the same as it once did; even without a HD, for many of us, it's just not the same. So what? Everything changes. Constantly. Coconut Grove is still the best place to live for me in Dade County. (oops I forgot, Miami-Dade County; yet another change). It's building up,the cottages are leaving, it's denser, but you learn to fight the fight you can win, not the one that makes no sense. Fighting so hard and losing the only grocery store we have makes no sense - kind of like winning the battle and losing the war.
Two more comments. Why does no one ever talk about the HD on US1 near the Falls. I've never seen the mess everyone rails about on 8th street at that store, nor have i seen nearby neighbors up in arms and protesting. I have never understood how one compares the trailer park adjacent to the 8th street store with the town homes and pricey real estate the Grove has.
Also, way back when the Grove Gate opened and Zayre's opened, the space was lovingly planted by a renowned Coconut Grove architect. We've lost some of those trees, but we can always plant more.
"I have never understood how one compares the trailer park adjacent to the 8th street store with the town homes and pricey real estate the Grove has."
Yes, and the spot where Home Depot now stands on SW 8th Street was also once a trailer park. Then came Sams Club and there were still no problems. Sams Club used the loading docks behind the building, kept up their property, respected the neighbors, and conducted their business in a decent manner. And then along came Home Depot whose motto is "Quanity not Quality". Home Depot single handedly brought ruination on that neighborhood. By the way, if you ask the people who live near the Home Depot to the South and it's not near the Falls, they would tell you plenty I'm sure. So you are saying that it's because the property on SW 8th Street was not as desireable as that in the Grove that the management of Home Depot runs that store differently? Give me a break!
Is that the only spot in the Grove where Milams can be? Just because Home Depot is a pig and wants to hold the loss of Milams over Grovites heads doesn't mean that they or some other grocer couldn't find space somewhere else in or nearer the Grove.
PLEASE stop the ugly political wars (where no one makes any sense) and give us more news about smoothie stores and lighting the neighborhood
Wow! Just met this guy Marc Sarnoff. He is a whacked out freak straight out of the Taliban. Gave me the chills. DO NOT elect this guy to anything!
You've obviously never met Marc if that is your opinion. I can't imagine anyone who really would take an opinion like that unless they worked for Home Depot or Linda Haskins. The groovy Grove is gone forever but that does not mean we should prostitute the precious little bit of quality we have left by putting a Home Depot east of US1.
Oh god, more accusations of campigning in this blog... Doesnt matter what you say, Im voting for Len Scinto! LEN-NY LEN-NY LEN-NY LEN-NY LEN-NY!
And maybe the reason that the HD on US1 down south isnt as bad is because it isnt in a craphole neighborhood with lazy employees who could care less about how much of a mess they make as long as they get their $3/hr under the table and avoid immigration officials?
I don't agree that the Home Depot down South is a clean nice store. It is also along US 1 and not inside a shopping center inside of US 1 that would impact a neighborhood with it's operations. If you want to compare stores compare the Home Depot on Oakland Park Blvd. just west of 95 to the Lowes store on Oakland Park Blvd. just east of 95. There is a world of difference. While both are considered warehouse type stores, Lowes at least operates a clean store as opposed to the Home Depot store that is a dirty crap hole. These two stores are minutes from each other and the difference speaks volumes about how Home Depot operates their business.
In response to: "And maybe the reason that the HD on US1 down south isnt as bad is because it isnt in a craphole neighborhood with lazy employees who could care less about how much of a mess they make as long as they get their $3/hr under the table and avoid immigration officials?"
The neighborhood around SW 31st Avenue and SW 8th Street only became that way after the arrival of Home Depot. You never found trash littering the streets then the way it does now. What is sad is that the same debris that you see on the streets and sidewalks is still there the next time you go to Home Depot. Kudos to the City of Miami for keeping the streets clean. It's nice to see our tax dollars at work. Yeah, right.
And in response to,
"Wow! Just met this guy Marc Sarnoff. He is a whacked out freak straight out of the Taliban. Gave me the chills. DO NOT elect this guy to anything!"
who are you suggesting we vote for, Linda Haskins who is not qualified for any position higher than dog catcher?
I can't judge Haskins as a city commissioner because she's too new to be evaluated. But your "dog catcher" comment suggests you make lack the wherewithal to be judging a very bright and highly successful former international accounting firm partner and senior banking executive like Haskins....
We prefer an independent extremely intelligent 20 yr resident of District 2. Someone who has spent 15 years volunteering for various Dist 2 causes. Marc Sarnoff will be a breath of fresh air. Linda might be intelligent but she only moved to Dist 2 recently and more importantly, she never volunteers and she is blinded by her "I love Manny Diaz" infatuation. We need someone smart and independent.
In response to "But your "dog catcher" comment suggests you make lack the wherewithal to be judging a very bright and highly successful former international accounting firm partner and senior banking executive like Haskins...."
I was not aware Haskins had a financial background. That should come in handy when she's counting up contributions from Home Depot.
And if Linda Haskins does not want to count her own campaign contributions she could have her campaign treasurer count them up. Oh, he is also Manny Diaz's campaign treasurer too. Or Haskins could have Al Lorenzo count her money. Oh, he is Manny Diaz's campaign manager too. Perhaps Haskins could explain why she has a City of Miami policeman drive her to every campaign appearence in a City SUV? Or why she keeps the car running with the A/C on while she is inside trading money for votes? A senior banking executive should be able to explain that...
WOW! New York Attorney General Elliot Spritzer has apparently suspended his campaign for Governor of New York to provide color commentary on the City of Miami's district two commission race. How 'bout that! Stay tuned for Bill Clinton's analysis of what passes for political analysis on this blog....
Perhaps Bill Clinton can explain why Linda Haskins thinks she is entitled to a taxpayer funded policeman driving a taxpayer funded SUV to all her campaign stops? And this from the former City of Miami "CFO" who just passed another City budget deficit. We suppose when Haskins discusses saving the City money she does not mean cutting out her publically funded limo and policeman driver?
This guy (or woman) is spending way too much time stalking Commissioner Haskins. He or she is clearly not a fan so why is he/she skulking around Haskins' campaign events taking note of her mode of travel? VERY creepy!!
You guys can sit around and play political war all you want. The bottom line is that all of the people employed by the City of Miami are all lazy, incompetent, or both. Look at the way this city was designed! Ridiculously dumb! No main form of public transportation connecting this city to outside cities like Ft. Laud, city streets that make absolutely no sense, minor hurricane damage that happened a YEAR ago that still hasnt been repaired. You wanna know why Miami isnt like NYC, Boston, Denver, Charlotte, etc? Its because people here dont give two craps about anyone but themselves.
As a resident, I would like to know why appointed commissioner Haskins has the taxpayers paying for a policeman to drive her to all her campaign events. In a city owned SUV. Answer please?
Haskins sounds like the next Miriam Alonso.
ANOTHER Stalker for Sarnoff! How many of these peep show freaks does he have working for him?
Perhaps "Walker Williams" AKA Seth Gordon can answer the question?
Is Haskins another Miriam Alonso and why does Haskins have a city paid worker drive her to all her campaign events?
I too would like to know why the taxpayers are forced to pay for a car and driver to take Linda Haskins to campaign appearences?
"Haskins sounds like the next Miriam Alonso."
Hahahaha, too funny, but sadly how true!
I would also like to know why taxpayers like myself are having to pay for a car and driver to take Linda Haskins to campaign appearences. Why? If she is wasting taxpayer money this way now, imagine what she could be capable of doing later on.
"anonymous" is talking to herself....
I am another taxpayer who wonders why Linda Haskins spends our money so blissfully.
I would sure like to get my employer to pay for a car and driver for me. I could avoid those pesky DUI interuptions.
Another Miriam Alonso sounds apt.
This woman is like Sybil...has 37 "personalities" with different names.....
But how can she get away with using taxpayer money for her transportation and driver to go to campaign appearances when it's not City business?
I am a male taxpayer. I would like to know where Haskins gets her sense of entitlement?
She says she wants to save the taxpayers money as she summons her driver, at taxpayer expense, to take her to her next campaign stop.
This kind of abuse of revenue should not be tolerated. Isn't this the same sort of thing that got Miriam Alsonso in trouble? I think it's time to send City Hall a clear message that we've had enough.
So Linda Haskins gets appointed by Manny "Concrete" Diaz to be a commissioner then she immediately votes to approve a City budget with a $13 Mil deficit and she is concurrently availing herself to a taxpayer paid 24/7 car and driver? For herself, her husband and her campaign staff? And 92% of her campaign contributions come from outside Dist 2. Something fishy here?
Haskins shows a weird way of saving the taxpayers money...she has us pay for her car and driver? While campaigning?
Vote for Frank or Marc.
It states in New Times that Linda Haskins was so drunk at the end of some days that she had to be driven home. Is that true? If yes, is she commissioner material?
Haskins scares me.
Frank or Marc?
Marc on Nov 21st.
End the Monarchy. Let Haskins pay for her own SUV and driver, the taxpayers are being soaked enough.
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